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Community Corner

🌱 Wake County Flood-Preparations + Nine Raleigh IDEA Semifinalists

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

Christina Fullford's profile picture
Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy National North Carolina Day Raleigh!

I swear its the hardest to settle back into a new week after an exciting weekend. It's already Wednesday, but I'm still winding down from my weekend. The one bright side is the spare moments I get to take for myself before diving into a new day to catch up on everything that matters, including:

  • Wake County considering changes to the school day
  • Wellness Wednesdays, a chance to recenter yourself
  • The walk Together Raleigh-Durham event coming this weekend

But first, today's weather:

High clouds and beautiful. High: 72 Low: 50.

Here are the top five stories today in Raleigh:

  1. Raleigh officials are taking precautions to ensure that flood-prone areas in the Triangle are prepared for several inches of rain that Hurricane Ian could bring. City officials are lowering the lake about a foot a day as they monitor the storm, and could lower more lakes depending on the track. City workers have also been clearing drains on the streets to prevent clogs. This will be the first storm the city will be able to utilize the new road cameras in flood areas. (abc11) Wake County is still working to coordinate shelters to protect the homeless population ahead of Ian's effects. (WRAL) Business owners are also warning that the storm could put more strain on supply chains that have already been stretched thin. (abc11)
  2. Wake County Schools are discussing later high school start and end times, as well as earlier elementary school start and end times. The district will host town halls and focus groups later this fall and will send out a survey regarding the changes that could impact the 2024-25 school year. New research on natural sleep rhythms and potential academic implications have initiated the discussion. In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that schools set bell schedules no earlier than 8:30 a.m. to improve older students health and achievements. (WRAL)
  3. In spite of the impacts expected from Hurricane Ian, the annual World of Bluegrass Festival will continue this weekend. Organizers have made the decision to move all music and activities indoors . In 2021, the festival brought more than 100,000 people to downtown Raleigh and generated more than $5.7 million. The festival is scheduled to be held in Raleigh through 2024, and organizers anticipate 200,000 in attendance this year. (abc11, CBS17)
  4. NC IDEA has selected the 22 semi-finalists for the 34th cycle of its SEED grant. The 22 semi-finalists include nine businesses based in Raleigh, with even more from the Triangle. The semi-finalists will now submit a full proposal with greater details and present before a review panel. Grant recipients will be announced live on November 15. The $50,000 grants are intended to support business activities that validate target markets, reduce risk associated with early stage companies and help companies get to the point of suitability for growth. (WRAL TechWire)
  5. Military leaders and lawmakers are holding a Defense Summit in Raleigh. The main focuses of the summit are the military's impact on North Carolina's economy and the challenged facing military families, like childcare, housing and employment. The goals of the summit are to build the military, community and defense industry through sharing state and national best practices. (CBS17)

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Today in Raleigh:

Thursday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's National North Carolina Day and I have no idea how I can link that to Raleigh. Obviously, I'm kidding. If you're looking to soak in some North Carolina, you can always schedule a tour of the State Capitol Building.
  • On Sunday the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN) will host the Walk Together Raleigh-Durham event. (WRAL)
  • Raleigh is happy to welcome 28 lateral transfer firefighters to the Raleigh Fire Department! (City of Raleigh Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll see you soon.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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